Liam Manning was frustrated not to end the week with six points but is keen to reflect positively on an improved seven days from his MK Dons side.
Manning’s Dons looked on course to make it back-to-back Sky Bet League One wins on Saturday, until a 78th-minute penalty from Accrington Stanley saw them earn themselves a 1-1 draw at Stadium MK.
While disappointed not to have seen the game out and secured successive victories, the MK Dons Head Coach is refusing to get too downbeat with this week’s points haul.
“The lads are flat because they know what we're capable of, especially after we were leading as we were but to take four points in a tough week is a positive,” Manning said in his post-match press conference. “We now have to build on this run and look to improve.
“We played some good football at times in the first half, more of what we wanted to see but we turned it over too cheaply as well.
“We had so many nearly moments, but we have to be better than that. We had a few good moments, but we have to be ruthless and clinical, not have nearly moments.
Then, when you're 1-0 up in a tight game, you have to be brave and step up and go and grab the game, but we made it too much of a fight in the second half.
“I was frustrated with the referee's performance for both sides. He got a bit whistle-happy in the second half, with so many stop-starts and little free-kicks.
“You look at the Premier League and Championship, so much of the game is allowed to flow and you see the benefits of that but we couldn't get any momentum.”
Manning added: “Looking at it, a point is probably fair. They had some really good chances and we had a few as well. I don't feel we did enough to win the game.”
Here is what else Liam Manning had to say in his post-match press conference…
On Ethan Robson’s goal…
“It was a really good goal. Ethan did well in the first half and that goal was a moment of real quality.”
On the change of formation…
“It was down to personnel and how we've looked when we've switched to it, recently. It is also familiarity for some of the guys as well.”
On Daniel Harvie and Will Grigg returning…
“It was great to see them back. Dan is a great character and a key man in the group. He's worked hard since the injury to get back to this stage - he'll bring quality, drive and hunger.
On Matthew Dennis’ performance…
“Matt only made his (full) EFL debut against Ipswich (Town), so he's still new to it. He should be pleased with aspects of his game but there's loads to work on. We need to give him help and support though and that's what we're working on.”
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Liam Manning and MK Dons turn their attention to the Carabao Cup on Tuesday when they take on Watford at Vicarage Road.
Over 1,500 MK Dons supporters are already set to make the trip, with tickets still available to buy priced at £12 adults, £9 65 and overs/students and £6 18 and unders, while Season Ticket holders are entitled to a £2 discount across the age categories.
To book tickets CLICK HERE, visit the Box Office or call 01908 622922. Tickets will be available to buy from the Club until 2pm on Tuesday.
